Roundtable discussion: Safeguarding elections amid COVID-19

Across the globe, more than 50 elections have already been postponed due to COVID-19, and, in some cases, there is a risk that elections will be postponed indefinitely. Some governments may hold elections in a manner and time that benefits the incumbent, and fundamental rights underpinning electoral integrity are being restricted. When elections do take place, unprecedented trade-offs to balance public health and voter participation need to be considered. In-person aspects of campaigns and voter education will be significantly reduced, voter turnout could be much lower, and transparency and oversight could be reduced. These effects may undermine the credibility of elections and, in turn, the legitimacy of elected governments.

Please join USAID's Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Center for a virtual roundtable discussion among donors and practitioners who work in the area of elections and political transitions to discuss these challenges, as well as emerging electoral assistance adaptations that can help mitigate COVID-related effects on electoral integrity.

Click here to register.